Federal Drug Crime Attorney in Lexington

Lexington Drug Crime Lawyer Handling Serious Drug Cases

Lexington defense attorney James R. Snell, Jr. represents those charged with any federal drug crime. Mr. Snell is admitted to practice before all of the courts that make up the United States Court for the District of South Carolina as well as all necessary appellate courts to include the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Federal vs. State Drug Charges

Federal drug investigations and prosecutions differ from those brought in state court. Initially, the cases are brought by federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI or DEA. Once the investigation concludes most formal charges are initiated by direct indictment by a federal grand jury. The U.S. Attorney's office assigns a prosecutor and begins trial preparation in most cases before the defendant is arrested.

Polygraph Administration

If you have been requested to take a polygraph, or agree to a polygraph later as part of a proffer offer, you should immediately consult with a Lexington criminal defense attorney. Prior to our clients taking any polygraph we consult with an expert polygraph examiner who is employed by our client. During a confidential meeting we review the expected polygraph procedures along with proposed topics to be covered. After an extensive client education process a real life polygraph is administered. Once this process is completed our clients can confidently determine their course of action regarding the polygraph procedure.

Representation for Bond Court

After an arrest or indictment in federal court the defendant is typically taken before a U.S. magistrate for bond setting. The issues before the court are substantially similar to how they are in state court; however, all defendants released on bond must be followed by the government. As part of his service to his clients Mr. Snell appears with his client's and their family during bond court and advocates for their release.

An arrest or indictment is not a conviction!

Just because someone has been arrested or indicted for a federal drug crime does not mean that they are guilty or must serve prison time or the time prescribed by the sentencing guidelines. A thoroughly prepared legal defense, as well as understanding of the circumstances of our client can frequently lead to outcomes much more favorable than were first thought possible. To best serve our clients, it is important that federal drug charges be given top priority to erase any advantages the United States prosecutors may have due to the weeks or months of head start on the case they may have. We are able to meet the legal needs of individuals in multiple parts of the state of South Carolina.